The Reial Monastir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes is a gorgeous Gothic monastery in Barcelona. The convent was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada. It dates from the early 14th century and until 1983 it was inhabited by the nuns of the Order of Saint Clare. The highlight of the monastery is its three storey… Continue reading Monastery of Pedralbes – World’s largest Gothic cloister

Burgruine Hardegg is a well-preserved Castle surrounded by woods. The place rarely sees visitors. It is not generally known or easily accessible. The castle can be visited from a small village called Zweikirchen (lit. Two-Churches). From there you need to follow a dirt-track road leading up the hill. After a 15 minutes walk you will… Continue reading Burgruine Hardegg – Ruins of an enchanted Romanesque castle

One of my favorite places in Barcelona is Can Masdeu. Can Masdeu is a former leper hospital which had been abandoned for over 50 years. It is now occupied by squatters and serves as a social center, residence, and community garden. The grounds governed by the squats are used as gardens and for agriculture.

About 40 km from Barcelona you can find a spectacular place called Sant Miguel del Fai which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip from Barcelona. San Miguel del Fai is the name of a 11th-century Benedictine monastery which was, not so long ago, declared a cultural landmark. It is located in… Continue reading Sant Miguel del Fai – a worthwhile daytrip from Barcelona

On the Costa Brava there is nothing more spectacular for nature lovers than the coastal footpaths: on one side, the forest, pine trees, cliffs, coves, and sand beaches; on the other side, the clear turquoise water of the Mediterranean sea. A very special one among these ‘Camí de Ronda’ can be found between Palamos and Calella de Palafrugell.… Continue reading Camí de Ronda Platja Castell – Cap Roig: a stunning coastal footpath

Luckily for me, turns out my new home village Gavà is great for hiking. Recently, I discovered a stunning hiking trail perfect for a half day excursion. The trail starts at the Ermita de Bruguers (a 5 minutes car ride from Gavà: about 4 km northwest of the town’s center), a Roman chapel from the 13th… Continue reading A stunning hiking trail in Gavà

The Collsacabra park is a beautiful natural area measuring about 142 km2 and it offers a vast forest, many cliffs, meadows, waterfalls and swamps. It is a quiet paradise where one can go hiking, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking or just relax. The park is located in the province of Barcelona and it can be reached from the… Continue reading Collsacabra: cliffs, waterfalls and a submerged village

Rupit is a small enchanting mountain hamlet located in the heart of Collsacabra Natural Park in Osona within the province of Barcelona (very close to Garrotxa, province of Girona). The hamlet is located at about 850 meters above sea level and about 100 km from the city Barcelona. It is located on a rocky… Continue reading Rupit i Pruit: A catalan treasure